Puig Major

Puig Major is the highest peak on the Spanish island of Mallorca. With an elevation of 1,445 m (4,741 ft) above sea level.^[1] It is situated in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. The moutain was used by the United States for an airbase from 1950 to 1993. The nearest town and municipality to Puig Major is Sóller, a village near the north west coast of Mallorca.

Puig Major
Rocky mountain landscape
Highest point
Elevation	1,445 m (4,741 ft)
Prominence	1,445 m (4,741 ft)
Listing	Ribu
Coordinates	39°48′N 2°48′E
Naming
English translation	Higher Rise
Language of name	Catalan
Geography
Puig Major Îles Baléares
Location	Mallorca, Spain
Region	Îles Baléares
Parent range	Serra de Tramuntana

Environment

Agrostis barceloi is present in the area.^[2] The mountain is made of Liassic rock from the Early Jurassic.^[3] It is the tallest mountain on the island at a height of 1,445 meters (4,741 ft).^[4]

Military Zone

From 1957 to 1959, the United States constructed an airbase across 6.2 hectares of land on Puig Major. This was in use by the USAF 880th Aircraft Control & Warning Radar Squadron Patrol until 1993.^[5][6] Signals from Apollo 11 confirming their safe landing on the Moon were transmitted to the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center via the military satellite station at Puig Major.^[7]

During the second half of the 20th century, two orange protective spheres containing all the radar equipment remained on the summit. They became popular among Mallorcans with the name "Las Bolas" or "Ses Bolles." In 2005 a single, larger sphere was built due to a technological renovation.^[8][9]

Hiking

Hiking has an extensive tradition in Majorca, and hikers love the Puig Major for its beautiful routes, such as the climb to Penyal des Migdia to the southwest of the summit or Morro D'en Pelut to the north. Both routes partially involve the intrusion into the military zone, commonly without permission.^[10]